Question
I have two large date palm tree's, that I have recently moved indoors. They started dropping a sticky substance on the carpet and furniture around them. You can't see it, but you can feel it. What is it? And how do I treat?
I did recently transplant them into larger pots, and when I did they both stunk like bad eggs when I removed them from there old pots. Please advise as to whats going on.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Michael,

First of all.  How large are these palms?  Have you examined the fronds and stems for scale insects.  (These may appear as small (~5mm diameter 1/16 to 1/4 inch) round to oval, flat objects on the underside of the fronds and stems.  These insects have a mobile juvenile phase (which resembles a small speck of white cotton like a mealybug, to which they are closely related) and a stationary adult phase.  Once they establish feeding sites on the plant, they often produce a "honeydew" which is sticky and can be easily transferred to the surrounding areas.  There are many other insects that produce the honeydew as well, but palms are affected by a large variety of scale insects and these are the most difficult to see.  Mealybugs are often found at the "crotches" of the fronds where they are attached to the stem.

As far as the odor that came from the foot balls.  There should be a rather sweet-smelling, earthy odor from a healthy root ball.  The rotten-egg odor is an indication that there is some sort of root disease affecting the plants.  In many instances, this aroma is caused by the oversaturation of the root ball, and this environment favors the rapid reproduction of the microbe.  There are both bacterial and fungal organisms that affect the root systems.  If a disease is already well established, it may be very difficult to treat.  

Having said that, I do not want to sound pessimistic.  What you should do first is ensure that there is adequate drainage by placing clay pot shards over the drainage hole of the pots so that the potting medium does not clog the hole. Next, place an inch or more of gravel in the bottom of the pot.  Then add the root ball and enough peat-based (high organic) potting medium to fill the pot to within 6 inches of the pot.  Remember to allow enough room for watering.  

Once drainage has been established, allow the root balls to dry out.  Water when the surface of the potting medium feels dry at a depth of one knuckle. Avoid overwatering, and do not allow any standing water in the saucer except immediately following watering.  Any residual water should be absorbed by the potting medium and/or taken up by the plant within a couple of hours.   

Usually when plants are grown outside, the normal predators control scale insect problems.  However, after moving them inside, the insect population cannot be controlled by natural means, and the honeydew becomes apparent.  This is often accompanied by a faint yellowing (chlorosis) of the leaves, and in severe infestations, the whole frond becomes yellow and eventually dies.

Check to see if you can find any insects, and if so, we can discuss treatments.